Provolone Cheese

Provolone cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese with a pale straw color and smooth, elastic paste. It melts cleanly with a supple stretch, offering a mild to gently tangy, buttery flavor; it slices well for sandwiches and browns nicely on baked dishes. Common retail forms include deli slices, wedges or blocks, and smoked varieties.

Originating in southern Italy and refined in northern dairies, provolone spread through Italian delis and pizzerias worldwide; styles range from young dolce to longer-aged piccante. Traditional versions typically use animal rennet, though vegetarian rennet variants exist.